|
Policy No: 2166
Responsible Office: Admissions
Last Review Date: 05/11/2026
Next Required Review: 05/11/2027
Approval Date: 09/10/2025
|
Policy No: 2166
Responsible Office: Admissions
Last Review Date: 05/11/2026
Next Required Review: 05/11/2027
Approval Date: 09/10/2025
Policy on Advanced Standing and Transfer Admission
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria, procedures, and requirements for admission to the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine through advanced standing or transfer.
2. Applicability
This policy applies to all prospective applicants from LCME-accredited allopathic medical schools who seek admission with advanced standing or transfer into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. Offshore medical schools or osteopathic schools will not be considered.
3. Definitions
LCME: The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the recognized accrediting body for programs awarding the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the U.S. and Canada
USMLE Step 1: Step 1 is the first of three required United States Medical Licensure Exams (USMLE) designed to assess whether a student understands and can apply crucial foundational science concepts to clinical medicine.
4. Policy Guidelines
Prospective applicants seeking transfer must meet the following eligibility criteria:
4.1 Demonstrate academic achievements and qualifications comparable to students in the class they seek to join.
4.1.1 Meeting Whiddon College of Medicine minimum MCAT score requirements and other admissions criteria
4.1.2 Completion of medical school coursework compatible with the curriculum at the level of entry.
4.1.3 Can provide documentation of a pass on the USMLE Step 1 exam.
4.2 Be in good standing at their current institution. Applicants who are not in good standing, have failed to progress with their class, or who have academic or non academic infractions will not be considered.
4.3 Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
4.4 Be enrolled in an LCME-accredited allopathic medical school
4.5 Preference is given to legal residents of Alabama
5. Procedures
For consideration, prospective applicants must complete the application process.
5.1 Timeline
5.1.1 Evaluation of transfer applications begins no later than April 1 st of each year and will be completed by June 1 st . Completed applications must be received by May 25 th excluding holidays.
5.2 Required Materials
5.2.1 A written statement describing the compelling reason for seeking transfer.
5.2.2 Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
5.2.3 Two letters of recommendation from professional school faculty (basic science or clinical supervision).
5.2.4 A Dean’s Letter from the applicant’s current medical school which must:
-
-
- Confirm eligibility for promotion to the next academic year.
- Address academic and non-academic qualifications for the practice of medicine.
- Include documentation of any infractions of the school’s code of ethical and behavioral conduct.
-
5.2.5 An official copy of USMLE scores.
-
-
- A passing score on Step 1 is required for acceptance and matriculation.
- Evidence of a passing score must be submitted no later than June 5 th .
-
5.2.6 A non-refundable $100.00 application fee.
6. Enforcement
Applications for Advanced Standing and Transfer Admission will be submitted for review and evaluation.
6.1 Consideration is given only to applicants who meet all eligibility and application requirements.
6.2 Completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
6.3 Final admission decisions rest with the Admissions Committee.
7. Related Documents
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Accreditation Standards
- University of South Alabama, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine Admissions Policies